(NewsNation) — Pregnant women may want to think twice before hitting the drive-thru for a cheeseburger and fries but that’s not because of the calories — it’s because of what touches the food.
A recent study from the University of Washington School of Medicine found chemicals associated with plastics can find their way into ultra-processed and fast food from wrapping, packaging and even the gloves worn by food handlers.
The chemicals, known as phthalates, can increase the risk of autism, ADHD and preterm birth.
“When moms are exposed to this chemical, it can cross the placenta and go into fetal circulation,” senior author Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a UW Medicine pediatrician and researcher at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, said in a statement.
The study included 1,031 pregnant women in their second trimester and researchers found that greater consumption of ultra-processed food was associated with a higher concentration of one of the most common and harmful phthalates.
In addition to common fast food items like cheeseburgers and french fries, researchers found cakes and pies could also present a risk.
It’s the first study in pregnant women to show that diets higher in ultra-processed foods are linked to greater phthalate exposures.
“We need to call out manufacturers and legislators to offer replacements and ones that may not be even more harmful,” said lead author Brennan Baker, a postdoctoral researcher in Sathyanarayana’s lab.
Instead of eating ultra-processed food, Sathyanarayana said pregnant women should seek out fruits, vegetables and lean meats but also keep their eye on labels.
“Look for the lower number of ingredients and make sure you can understand the ingredients,” she said.